🍄 Five decades of fungi! In the latest Scigest podcast, recently retired mycologist Dr Peter Buchanan reflects on a career of fungal research, conservation, collaboration and sharing the remarkable world of fungi with New Zealanders. 🎧 Listen to Part 2: bit.ly/4xgWhBq
Bioeconomy Science Institute
@bioeconomyscience.bsky.social
Science with impact 🌱 Growing a sustainable bioeconomy for Aotearoa and the world. The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.
🌱 Congratulations to our Chief Scientist Dr Linda Johnson, a finalist for the BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur Award at the 2026 KiwiNet Awards! Fantastic recognition of 20+ years turning science into real-world impact for NZ’s primary industries. 👏 #KiwiNetAwards #NZScience
We’re joining forces with Yangzhou University researchers to tackle livestock methane emissions 🐄🌏 We’ll test whether microemulsification can improve the delivery of bromoform – a natural methane inhibitor found in some seaweed – in the rumen. 🔗 bit.ly/4xXMtN1
New clinical trial results from the Bioeconomy Science Institute show participants taking the NZ-discovered bitter hop extract Amarasate® lost significantly more body fat while maintaining muscle mass during a six-month healthy lifestyle programme. Read more: bit.ly/4i3Ynjt
Ever wondered how raspberries are harvested without turning into jam? Through our Pacific Berries partnership, our Wake®Haven raspberry variety is being harvested right now in Washington State. Behind every delicious berry is years of research, breeding and innovation.
Can industrial seaweed waste support human tissue growth? 🌱🧫 PhD student Janet Reid's research explores this potential with support from AgriSea and the University of Otago, aiming to repurpose kelp waste for regenerative medicine. #100YearsNZ Take a look: bit.ly/4xqjFvZ
Turning seaweed waste into healing solutions
What if waste from the sea could help repair the human body? PhD student Janet Reid is using seaweed-derived nanocellulose to improve materials that help gro...
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A warm welcome to our new Chief Executive, Angus Haslett. 💚 On Monday, staff, guests and representatives of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gathered for a pōwhiri to welcome Angus into the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao whānau. Nau mai, haere mai Angus.
We're proud to be represented by four finalists in the 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards! 🎉 From scientific leadership to commercialisation, spin-outs and impact for New Zealand, our finalists showcase the power of science to make a difference. 🧵⬇️
We're excited to welcome Dr Michelle Colgrave as the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao's new Chief Missions & Impact Officer. An internationally recognised science leader, Michelle will help drive our missions-led approach to delivering impact for Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. 🌱
🍄 What does a lifetime of studying fungi look like? In our latest Scigest podcast, renowned mycologist Peter Buchanan reflects on the career that has taken him deep into the remarkable world of fungi. 🎧 Listen bit.ly/4yVO8DT
Some of New Zealand’s most remarkable ecosystems are also among its rarest. Often found in isolated locations, these biodiversity hotspots can be challenging to monitor. We’re helping develop new tools to better understand and protect our ecological treasures: bit.ly/4yV41uk
🍷 Ever wondered what makes New Zealand wine so special? From world-leading viticulture research to climate-smart vineyards, discover how public research has helped shape New Zealand's wine industry. Watch the video bit.ly/4xiBxsZ #100yearsofsciencenz #NZWine
Science for producing premium wines
New Zealand is famed for its wines. The New Zealand wine industry went through transformational change from the 1960s and research activities enabled the exp...
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Congratulations to Dr Bruce Campbell CNZM on being elected a Companion of the @royalsocietynz.bsky.social We're proud to have Bruce's leadership and expertise on the Bioeconomy Science Institute Board. Congratulations to all 13 new Companions! 👏 #[bit.ly/4x4FWj0
This Biosecurity Week, we're profiling entomologist Joanne Jensen. For 30 years, her research into insect–plant interactions has helped strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system and support more resilient farming. Read her story: bit.ly/4bfgBKG
It’s Biosecurity Week. Meet the tropical armyworm — a potential sleeper pest currently mostly confined to the upper North Island. As the climate warms, it could spread and cost farmers millions. Find out how we're helping to monitor their spread: bit.ly/3RZcdcf
It’s Biosecurity Week! Science plays a vital role in protecting Aotearoa from invasive pests, weeds and diseases. One threat we’re helping keep out is the brown marmorated stink bug, a pest that could cost horticulture up to $2B a year. Find out more: bit.ly/4x57QLC #100YearsOfScience
🌿 Biological collections hold more than specimens — hey also hold knowledge. What do Māori want for the data connected to taonga species? This conversation is helping shape the future of biological collections, partnership and knowledge sharing. Watch the full video: bit.ly/4fBVYts
He Whakaputanga Hua – The value of the Biological Collection & Information systems to Māori
What role do Biological Collections and information systems and databases play in reconnecting Māori with taonga species, whakapapa and mātauranga Māori? Ta...
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Our new podcast series, Te Karanga o Te Whenua, shares the journeys of wāhine Māori as they reconnect with the whenua, restoring relationships, reclaiming mātauranga, and building a future of healing & hope. 🎧 www.landcareresearch.co.nz/te-karanga-o... #MātaurangaMāori #Podcast #BioeconomyScience
The wilding conifer problem is really a problem that we either win together or lose together. With a new 12‑month Endeavour Fund extension, Vive la résistance is moving into its next phase, building on strong momentum to tackle wilding conifer re‑invasion through collaboration. 🔗 bit.ly/4fv1VIK
🚀 One giant leap for nanocellulose research! In partnership with Cawthron Institute and Helogen Corporation, we’ve completed two custom low-gravity simulators to test how bacterial nanocellulose grows in space-like conditions. Ground-based trials start now. Read more: bit.ly/4b81P8B
🎙️ Red needle cast is one of the biggest threats to New Zealand’s radiata pine forests. In the latest Scigest podcast, host Darryl Herron and forest pathologist Emily McLay discuss how science is helping growers predict, prepare for and manage the disease. Tune in bit.ly/3Rs2Vp0
#InTheNews 🍄 A new 1News story shines a light on pioneering New Zealand mycologist Dr Greta Stevenson and the value of digitised fungal collections. Bioeconomy Science Institute mycologist Dr Bevan Weir explains how these specimens continue to support research today bit.ly/3R282Mz
Renowned London gardens shine light on Kiwi scientist's work
The renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has recently digitised more than seven million plant and fungal specimens, including hundreds of Dr Greta Stevenson's discoveries from New Zealand.
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🍎🖤 This weekend on Rural Delivery, see how our scientists are working with Massey University and France’s INRAE to tackle black spot, one of the apple industry’s biggest challenges. Discover how this research could help shape the future of lower-spray orchards. 📺 Sat 8am TVNZ1 | Sun 9.30am Sky Open
🌏 Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Community (SPC), strengthening our partnership and creating new opportunities to support Pacific communities through science-led and locally led development. We look forward to working together.
From physical wires to digital boundaries — innovation keeps reshaping our farms. The 1960s electric fence changed grazing forever, and now GPS virtual fencing is opening the next frontier. A century of progress, with more breakthroughs ahead. bit.ly/4vndhEN #100yearsofsciencenz
Winter brings plenty of challenges for farmers. 🚜🌧 At the recent SIDDC Winter Focus Day, we shared research on pasture-based wintering systems that can reduce mud, support animal welfare and lessen environmental impacts. Find out more about our pasture-based wintering research ➡ bit.ly/4aCuouz
🥜 What's next for Northland's peanut trials? Promising results so far have shown low pest and disease pressure, but existing Hi Oleic cultivars only just fit Northland's growing season. The next step is to access and trial new cultivars better suited to local conditions. Read more: bit.ly/4aGpSLC
Three exceptional science leaders. Another milestone for the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao. Congratulations to Dr Linda Johnson, Dr Jolon Dyer and Dr Dave Houlbrooke on their new leadership appointments. Read more:bit.ly/4vmWnGa
How is data transforming science? 🌿📊 In our latest #scigest podcast, Dr Linley Jesson shares her journey through plant biology, genomics and data science, and why mentoring matters. 🎧 Listen on our website or your favourite podcast app: bit.ly/4f2lPui
Collaboration key to unlocking the full potential of mānuka. Researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute joined Māori partners and industry leaders in Te Papaioea to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and help shape the future of mānuka research. Ngā mihi to everyone who contributed.